Absorbent article

ABSTRACT

The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/525,554, filed Sep. 22, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,311,696 which is adivisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/796,883, filed Mar. 9, 2004,now U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,528, which is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/025,059, filed Dec. 19, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,402,157.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an absorbent article having a multi-tone signalof at least one color. The effect of the multi-tone signal creates aperception of depth by a user viewing the topsheet surface of theabsorbent article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Printing on or below the top surface of an absorbent article is known inthe art. Printing to create a signal that masks stains is also known.Overcoming the problem of unsightly stain during, for example, a woman'smenstrual period has been disclosed. What has not been disclosed ortaught is the use of multi-toned printing to create a signal thatprovides a perception of depth to an absorbent article when the articleis viewed from its top or viewing surface. By creating a perception ofdepth within the absorbent article a user is reassured prior to use andduring use that fluid will be drawn deep inside the product and awayfrom a user's body.

Through the use of innovative topsheet materials, secondary topsheetmaterials, absorbent gelling materials and breathable backsheets, thetechnology in absorbent articles, and particularly sanitary napkins, hasdrastically advanced to provide women with more than adequate, if notexcellent, products that absorb menses and other fluids away from awoman's body. However, much of this technology is often hidden andtherefore not viewable. When seen, absorbent components often do notreadily or visually communicate to a user the existence of this enhancedtechnology.

The ability to communicate to a consumer the existence of enhancedfunctioning of an absorbent article is a premium asset to any absorbentarticle. Hence, the use of the multi-toned signals has been created tobegin to address the problem of such communication. This is especiallyso since mostly all of the products on the market today have as theirmain function the objective to mask menses rather than conveying theproduct's enhanced functioning power. The art is replete with examplesof the use of a one-tone signal for such masking.

Communicating enhanced functioning characteristics by creating theperception of depth within an absorbent article is one unique and novelway to solve this problem, that prior to this reduction to practice hasnot been taught, suggested or disclosed by the prior art. Using multipletones (i.e., at least two) of a color and/or multiple tones and multiplecolors together to create a perception of depth can engender in a userthe perceived belief of better protection and enhanced functioning bycreating the perception of depth once a user has viewed the multi-toneconfiguration from the viewing surface of the absorbent article, suchperception continuing through and after wear of the absorbent article.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention provides an absorbent article having an uppersurface, a lower surface and a periphery comprising a topsheet having abottom surface and a viewing surface positioned opposite to the bottomsurface. The viewing surface faces upwardly towards the upper surface ofthe absorbent article. The absorbent article further comprises abacksheet having a garment facing surface and a user facing surfacepositioned oppositely to the garment facing surface, the backsheet beingjoined to the topsheet.

An absorbent core having a top surface and a bottom surface that ispositioned opposite to the top surface. The absorbent core is positionedbetween the topsheet and the backsheet. The viewing surface of theabsorbent article preferably, but not necessarily, has at least twoportions, i.e., a colored portion and a non-colored portion. The coloredportion and the non-colored portion are viewable from the viewingsurface of the topsheet. The colored portion has at least two shades, afirst shade and a second shade. The first shade is positionedsubstantially within the second shade. The second shade is different,either in lightness, darkness, and/or color, from the first shade. Themulti-shades operate to create a perception of depth within theabsorbent article by a user looking upon the viewing surface of thetopsheet. In one embodiment herein, the first shade of the color isdarker than the second shade of the color. Alternatively, the firstshade is lighter than the second shade.

The color of the first shade and the second shade of the colored portionand the non-colored portion are measured by reflectancespectrophotometer ASTM standard test methodology. Tristimulus L*, a*, b*values are measured from the viewing surface of the topsheet inboard ofthe absorbent article's periphery. These L*, a*, b* values are reportedin terms of the CIE 1976 color coordinate standard The color differencesbetween the colored portion and the non-colored portion are measured ata first point, a second point, and a third point on the viewing surfaceof the topsheet inboard of the periphery of the absorbent article.Preferably, each one of the points noted (i.e., 1, 2 and 3) residesfully within the periphery of the absorbent core. For example, the firstpoint is measured within the first shade, the second point is measuredwithin the second shade, and the third point is measured within thenon-colored portion of the absorbent article. The color differences arecalculated according to method ASTM D2244-99 “Standard Test Method forCalculation of Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured ColorCoordinates.”

The difference in color (i.e., ΔE*) between the first shade and thesecond shade should be at least 3.5. The ΔE* is calculated by theformulaΔE*=[(L*_(X).−L*_(Y))²+(a*_(X).−a*_(Y))²+(b*_(X)−b*_(Y))²]^(1/2). X mayrepresent points 1, 2 or 3. Y may represent points 1, 2 or 3. X and Yshould never be the same two points of measurement at the same time. Inother words, X≠Y. The difference in color between the first shade andthe non-colored portion is at least 6. The difference in color betweenthe second shade and the non-colored portion is at least 3.5.Preferably, the size of the colored portion ranges from about 5% toabout 100% of the viewing surface of the topsheet. Also preferably, thefirst shade of the colored portion is positioned substantially centrallyin relation to the second shade of the colored portion. However, so longas the shades are in proper spatial relationship to one-another suchthat the depth perception phenomena is created, any suitable positioningof the shades is suitable and foreseeable by one of skill in the art andare therefore acknowledged as suitable alternative embodiments of theinvention.

In one embodiment herein, the colored portion may be an insertpositioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core. In anotherembodiment, the colored portion forms a part of the topsheet. In yetanother embodiment herein, the colored portion forms a part of theabsorbent core whereby the colored portion is viewable from the viewingsurface of the topsheet. Alternatively, the colored portion may be amulti-layered insert positioned beneath the topsheet.

Any topsheet material that allows the colored portion to be readily seenfrom the viewing surface of the topsheet is suitable. For example,formed film material, nonwovens, other topsheet materials known in theart or combinations thereof are suitable.

In an alternative embodiment herein, the absorbent article provides acolored portion and is substantially without a non-colored portion. Thecolored portion is viewable from the viewing surface of the topsheet andhas at least two shades, a first shade and a second shade. The firstshade is positioned substantially within the second shade, the secondshade being different from the first shade. The at least two shadesoperate to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article bya user looking upon the viewing surface of the topsheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as formingthe present invention, it is believed that the invention will be betterunderstood from the following descriptions which are taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like designationsare used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of the absorbent article;

FIG. 2 is a planar view of the absorbent article of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a planar view of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a planar view of the proper testing form of the absorbentarticle of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

“Absorbent articles” as referred to herein are primarily sanitarynapkins, pantiliners, or incontinence pads that are worn in the crotchregion of an undergarment. It is even conceivable that baby diapers,adult incontinence diapers, and human waste management devices benefitfrom the present invention even though they are conventionally not wornin conjunction with an undergarment.

The term ‘color’ as referred to herein include any primary color, i.e.,white, black, red, blue, violet, orange, yellow, green, and indigo aswell as any declination thereof or mixture thereof. The term ‘non-color’or ‘non-colored’ refers to the color white which is further defined asthose colors having an L* value of at least 90, an a* value equal to0±2, and a b* value equal to 0±2.

The term ‘disposable’ is used herein to describe absorbent articles thatare not intended to be launched or otherwise restored or reused asabsorbent articles (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after asingle use and, preferably to be recycled, composted or otherwisedisposed of in an environmentally compatible manner).

Non-limiting examples of panty liners and sanitary napkins which may beprovided with a multi-tone signal that operates to create depthperception include those manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company ofCincinnati, Ohio as: ALWAYS® Pantiliners with DriWeave® manufacturedaccording to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,324,246; 4,463,045; and 6,004,893; ALWAYS®Ultrathin Slender Maxi with Wings manufactured according to U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,342,314, 4,463,045, 4,556,146, B1 4,687,478, 4,950,264,5,009,653, 5,267,992, and Re. 32,649; ALWAYS® Regular Maxi; ALWAYS®Ultra Maxi with Wings; ALWAYS® Maxi with Wings; ALWAYS® Ultra Long Maxiwith Wings; ALWAYS® Long Super Maxi with Wings; and ALWAYS® OvernightMaxi with Wings, each aforesaid publication being incorporated byreference herein.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of the absorbent article 10. FIG. 2provides a planar view of the absorbent article of FIG. 1. The absorbentarticle 10 herein has an upper surface 13, a lower surface 14 (not seen)and a periphery 12 comprising a topsheet 25 having a bottom surface 27(not shown) and a viewing surface 28 positioned opposite to the bottomsurface 27. The viewing surface 28 faces upwardly towards the uppersurface 13 of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 furthercomprises a backsheet 15 (not shown) having a garment facing surface 16(not shown) and a user facing surface 17 (not shown) positionedoppositely to the garment facing surface 16, the backsheet 15 beingjoined to the topsheet 25.

The absorbent article 10 also comprises an absorbent core 20 having atop surface 21 and a bottom surface 22 (not shown) that is positionedopposite to the top surface 21. The absorbent core 20 is positionedbetween the topsheet 25 and the backsheet 15. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 the absorbent article 10 has at least two portions, i.e., acolored portion 40 and a non-colored portion 50. The colored portion 40and the non-colored portion 50 are viewable from the viewing surface 28of the topsheet 25. The colored portion 40 has at least two shades, afirst shade 42 and a second shade 44. Preferably, but not necessarily,and as is shown in FIG. 1, the first shade 42 is positionedsubstantially within the second shade 44. The second shade 44 isdifferent, either in lightness, darkness, and/or color, from the firstshade 42. The multi-shades operate to create a perception of depthwithin the absorbent article by a user looking upon the viewing surface28 of the topsheet 25. In one embodiment herein, the first shade 42 ofthe color is darker than the second shade 44 of the color.Alternatively, the first shade 42 is lighter than the second shade 44.The lightness and darkness of the shades, whether two or greater thantwo shades, are configured to create a perception of depth by a userlooking upon the viewing surface 28 of the absorbent article 10.

The color of the first shade 42 and the second shade 44 of the coloredportion 40 and the non-colored portion 50 are measured by thereflectance spectrophotometer according to the colors' L*, a*, and b*values. The L*, a*, and b* values are measured from the viewing surface28 of the topsheet 25 inboard of the absorbent article's periphery 12.The color differences between the colored portion 40 and the non-coloredportion 50 are measured at a first point 100, a second point 110, and athird point 120 on the viewing surface 28 of the topsheet 25 inboard ofthe periphery 12 of the absorbent article 10. Preferably, each one ofthe points 100, 110, and 120 resides fully within the periphery 12 ofthe absorbent core 20. For example, the first point 100 is measuredwithin the first shade 42, the second point 110 is measured within thesecond shade 44, and the third point 120 is measured within thenon-colored portion 50 of the absorbent article 10.

The color differences are calculated using the L*, a*, and b* values bythe formulaΔE=[(L*_(X).−L*_(Y))²+(a*_(X).−a*_(Y))²+(b*_(X)−b*_(Y))²]^(1/2). Herein,the ‘X’ in the equation may represent points 1, 2 or 3. Y may representpoints 1, 2 or 3. X and Y should never be the same two points ofmeasurement at the same time. In other words, X≠Y. Where greater thantwo shades of a color(s) are used, the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ values alternatelyinclude points of measurement in them also. The key to the ΔEcalculation herein is that the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ values should not stem fromthe same measured point on the viewing surface. In those instances wherethere is effectively no non-colored portion 50 within the confines ofthe measurement area, the ‘X’ values should flow from a point differentin spatial relationship to the ‘Y’ values, but within the confines ofthe absorbent core periphery (see FIG. 4).

The difference in color (ΔE*) between the first shade 42 and the secondshade 44 should be at least 3.5. The difference in color between thefirst shade 42 and the non-colored portion 50 is at least 6. Thedifference in color between the second shade 44 and the non-coloredportion 50 is at least 3.5.

Preferably, the size of the colored portion 50 ranges from about 5% toabout 100% of the viewing surface 28 of the topsheet 25. Alsopreferably, the first shade 42 of the colored portion 50 is positionedsubstantially centrally in relation to the second shade 44 of thecolored portion 50. However, so long as the shades are in proper spatialrelationship to one-another such that the depth perception phenomena iscreated, any suitable positioning of the shades is foreseeable by one ofskill in the art and are therefore acknowledged as suitable alternativeembodiments of the invention.

In one embodiment herein, the colored portion 40 may be an insertpositioned between the topsheet 25 and the absorbent core 20. In anotherembodiment, the colored portion 40 forms a part of the topsheet 25. Inyet another embodiment herein, the colored portion 40 forms a part ofthe absorbent core 20 whereby the colored portion 40 is viewable fromthe viewing surface 28 of the topsheet 25. Alternatively, the coloredportion 40 may be a multi-layered insert positioned beneath the topsheet28.

Any topsheet material that allows the colored portion to be readily seenfrom the viewing surface 28 of the topsheet 25 is suitable. For example,formed film material, nonwovens, or combinations thereof are suitable.

In an alternative embodiment herein, the absorbent article 10 provides acolored portion 40 wherein the viewing surface 28 of the topsheet 25 issubstantially without a non-colored portion. By the term ‘substantiallywithout a non-colored portion’ it is meant herein that color white isless than or equal to 5% of the total surface area of the viewingsurface 28. FIG. 3 provides an absorbent article wherein the first shade42 is lighter and the second shade 44 is darker.

Also alternatively is an embodiment in which a color different from thecolor of the first shade 42 and the second shade 44 operates as aboundary between the two shades. In other words, this boundary 48 (notshown) rings the outer perimeter of the second shade 44 and separatesthe second shade 44 from the first shade 42.

Analytical Methodology—Hunter Color

The color scale values, utilized herein to define the darkness/lightnessof the materials of the absorbent articles according to the presentinvention, is the widely accepted CIE LAB scale. Measurements are madewith a Hunter Color reflectance meter. A complete technical descriptionof the system can be found in an article by R. S. Hunter, ‘photoelectriccolor difference Meter’, Journal of the Optical Society of America, Vol.48, pp. 985-95, 1958. Devices specially designed for the measurement ofcolor on the Hunter scales are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,003,388 toHunter et al., issued Oct. 10, 1961. In general, Hunter Color “L” scalevalues are units of light reflectance measurement, and the higher thevalue is, the lighter the color is since a lighter colored materialreflects more light. In particular, in the Hunter Color system the “L”scale contains 100 equal units of division. Absolute black is at thebottom of the scale (L=0) and absolute white is at the top of the scale(L=100). Thus in measuring Hunter Color values of the materials used inthe absorbent articles according to the present invention, the lower the“L” scale value, the darker the material. The absorbent articles herein,and hence the materials of which the absorbent articles are made of,might be of any color provided that the L Hunter value defined herein ismet.

Colors can be measured according to an internationally recognized 3Dsolid diagram of colors where all colors that are perceived by the humaneye are converted into a numerical code. The CIE LAB system is similarto Hunter L, a, b an is based on three dimensions, specifically L*, a*,and b*.

When a color is defined according to this system L* represents lightness(0=black, 100=white), a* and b* independently each represent a two coloraxis, a* representing the axis red/green (+a=red, −a=green), while b*represents the axis yellow/blue (+b=yellow, −b=blue). FIG. 4 shows theproper representation of the L, a, and b axes.

A color may be identified by a unique ΔE value (i.e., different in colorfrom some standard or reference), which is mathematically expressed bythe equation:ΔE*=[(L* _(X) .−L* _(Y))²+(a* _(X) .−a* _(Y))²+(b* _(X) −b*_(Y))²]^(1/2)‘X’ represents the standard or reference sample which may either be a‘white’ sample or a ‘colored’ sample, e.g., one colored shade may becompared to another colored shade.

It is to be understood that the tristimulus color values and ΔE*considered herein are those measured on the materials of interest (e.g.,the colored and non-colored portions on the viewing surface of thetopsheet disclosed herein).

The Hunter color meter quantitatively determines the amount (percent) ofincident light reflected from a sample onto a detector. The instrumentis also capable of analyzing the spectral content of the reflected light(e.g., how much green is in the samples). The Hunter color meter isconfigured to yield 3 values (L*, a*, b* and ΔE* which is total color).The L* value is simple the percent of the incident (source) light thatis reflected off a target sample and onto the detector. A shiny whitesample will yield an L* value near 100 while a dull black sample willyield an L* value of about 0. The a* and b* value contains spectralinformation for the sample. Positive a* value indicates the amount ofgreen in the sample.

Testing is conducted using a Lab Scan XE 45/0 geometry instrument tomeasure the different shaded options for the visual signal zone. TheHunter Color in CIE lab scale 2° C. was measured on each pad in 3portions. A 0.7 inch diameter port was used having a 0.50 inch areaview, which was the largest size able to measure each zone discretely;i.e., this 0.5 inch area view is important for the purposes thesemeasurements and should not be made smaller than the 0.5 inch area viewprescribed. The instrument was calibrated using standard white and blacktiles supplied by the instrument manufacturer.

Color Zone Measurement for Pad Topsheet Appearance

For measuring the L*, a*, and b* values for the invention herein, astandard, industry-recognized procedure is used. The topsheet color ismeasured using a reflectance spectrophotometer in accordance with methodASTM E 1164-94, “Standard Practice for Obtaining Spectrophotometric Datafor Object-Color Evaluation”. This standard method is followed butspecific instrument settings and sampling procedure are given here forclarity. Sample color is reported in terms of the CIE 1976 colorcoordinate standard as specified in ASTM E 1164-94 and ASTM D2264-93,section 6.2. This consists of three values; L* which measures sample“lightness”, a* which measures redness or greenness, and b* whichmeasures yellowness or blueness.

Apparatus

Reflectance 45°/0°Hunter Labscan XE, or equivalent SpectrophotometerHunterLab Headquarters, 11491 Sunset Hills Road, Reston VA 20190-5280Tel: 703-471-6870 Fax: 703-471-4237 http://www.hunterlab.com. Standardplate Sandard Hunter White Tile Source: Hunter Color.Equipment Preparation

-   1. Assure that the Spectrophotometer is configured as follows:

Illumination Type C Standard Observer 2° Geometry 45/0° Measurementangle Port Diameter 0.70 inch Viewing area 0.50 inch (and no smaller)

-   -   UV Filter: Nominal

-   2. Calibrate the spectrophotometer using standard black and white    tiles supplied with the instrument according to manufacturer's    instructions before beginning any testing.    Sample Preparation

-   1. Unwrap, unfolded and lay the product or pad samples flat without    touching or altering the color of the body facing surface.

-   2. Areas on the body-facing surface of the product should be    selected for measurement and must include the following:    -   The non-colored portion of the topsheet.    -   The colored portion of the topsheet; including the two or more        shaded portions.    -   Any other portions of the topsheet above the absorbent core        having a visibly or measurably different color from the first        shaded zone. Embossed channels and folds should not be included        in zones of measurement as they may skew the proper results.        Measurements should not be made overlapping the border of two        shaded portions.        Test Procedure

-   1. Operate the Hunter Colorimeter according to the instrument    manufacturer's instructions.

-   2. Pads should be measured laying flat over the 0.70 inch aperture    on the instrument. A white tile should be placed behind the pad.

-   3. The pad should be placed with its long direction perpendicular to    the instrument.

-   4. Measure the same zones selected above for at least 3 replicate    samples.    Calculation Reporting

-   1. Ensure that the reported results are really CIE L*,a*,b*.

-   2. Record the L*,a*,b* values to the nearest 0.1 units.

-   3. Take the average L*, a*, b* for each zone measured.

-   4. Calculate ΔE* between different shaded portions and ΔE* between    each shaded portion and the non-colored portion where the    non-colored portion exists.    Human Sensitivity to Light

The human sensitivity threshold for the lightness of a dark green coloris a ΔE* of about 1.0. For a dark green color, if only the a* and b*change, human sensitivity is a ΔE* of 2.4. In the context of anabsorbent article herein (e.g., a sanitary napkin) it is highly likelythat many people would not see a color difference if the ΔE* is lessthan 2. This sensitivity is described in the following reference: “TheMeasurement of Appearance”, by Hunter and Harold, 2nd edition, 1987,(ISBN 0-471-83006-2).

Chapter 4 of Hunter's book describes human color sensing and chapter 9is about color scales. By making side-by side comparison, humans candifferentiate up to 5 to 10 million different colors. In the 1940s, aresearcher named MacAdam did human chromaticity discriminationexperiments. He found the thresholds of sensitivity and showed thesedepend on the color. Later work by Brown and MacAdam came up with alogarithmic lightness dimension scale for human sensitivity to go withthe earlier color scale. Based on the reduction to practice of theinvention, experimentation and the foregoing work by Brown and MacAdam,it has been found herein that a ΔE≧3.5 is the preferred range to effectproper differentiation between the shades that provides the properappearance of depth. However, where the ΔE is as small as about 1 andstill operates to provide a perception of depth between the shades, thisΔE is also contemplated and included herein. An example where ΔE may bebetween at last two shades of one or more colors may be found in analternative embodiment that provides a multi-color and/or shade gradientof a color across the viewing surface of the absorbent article.

CHART I Sam- ple Num- Topsheet ber Type Colored Options ΔE*₂₃ ΔE*₁₂ΔE*₁₃ 1 Formed Film Two-tone inner/outer 6.10 10.83 16.86 color 2 FormedFilm One-tone color 0.25 8.60 8.80 3 Non-woven One-tone color 0.22 10.6310.81 4 Non-woven Two-tone inner/outer 5.98 11.03 16.92 color 5 FormedFilm Two-tone light outer 10.01 2.88 12.80 color/inner dark color 6Formed Film Two-tone medium 7.51 6.37 13.61 outer color/inner dark color7 Formed Film Two-tone darker outer 5.60 19.16 14.22 color/inner darkcolor 8 Formed Film Two-tone (secondary 4.58 6.00 8.06 topsheet coloredouter color)/(core colored dark color) 9 Formed Film One-tone outercolor 0.21 8.90 8.84

As has been noted previously, the difference in color between the firstshade and the second shade should be at least 3.5. The difference incolor between the first shade and the non-colored portion is at least 6.The difference in color between the second shade and the non-coloredportion is at least 3.5. Through experimentation and reduction topractice of the invention, it has been determined that the preferredcreation of depth perception happens at about and above these setparameters. For products substantially not having a non-colored portionwithin the measurement zone (i.e., a gradient or fully colored product),the above criteria for the shaded portions (i.e., ΔE*≧3.5) remains thepreferred standard.

Chart I above clearly shows the ΔE*s obtained between multi-tone (e.g.,two tone) and single tone signals. Formed films and nonwovens useful forthe invention herein are those which will allow the sufficientpenetration of light therethrough such that the shaded portions may beclearly discerned and such that such discernment produces the depthperception effect. The color may be any suitable color fitting withinthe parameters herein for ΔE* between colored portions and non-coloredportion (where it exists). For example, the colors green, blue, red,yellow, orange, purple and any other color within the color spectrum aresuitable for the purposes described herein.

Sample Nos. 1 and 2 are clearly distinct in their ΔE*₂₃. Specifically,the ΔE*₂₃ (which is 6.10) is greater than 3.5. This ΔE₂₃ indicates thatthere is a perceptible difference in color or lightness/darkness betweenthe two points of measurement; i.e., between the second shaded portionand the non-colored (or white) portion (see FIG. 4). As noted above forhuman perception, Sample No. 2's ΔE*23 of 0.25 would not be perceptibleto the human eye. This indicates that the signal is only a one or singletone signal (i.e., color portion).

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaningor definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to the term in this written documentshall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. An absorbent article having an upper surface, a lower surface and aperiphery, the absorbent article comprising: a topsheet having a bottomsurface and a viewing surface positioned opposite to the bottom surface;a backsheet having a garment facing surface and a user facing surfacepositioned oppositely to the garment facing surface, the backsheet beingjoined to the topsheet; and an absorbent core having a top surface and abottom surface positioned opposite to the top surface, the absorbentcore being positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, thetopsheet having a first layer, the first layer having a colored portionviewable from the viewing surface of the topsheet, the colored portionhaving a first shade, the first shade comprising a plurality of firstprinted marks, the colored portion having a second shade substantiallysurrounding the first shade, the second shade comprising a plurality ofsecond printed marks, the second shade being different from the firstshade, the second shade being substantially surrounded by a portion thatis white and that extends to the periphery, and wherein the first shadeand the second shade operate to create a perception of depth within theabsorbent article by a user looking upon the viewing surface of thetopsheet.
 2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the first shadeand/or second shade are blue, green, violet or indigo.
 3. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the first printed marks form a firstpattern, and the second printed marks form a second pattern.
 4. Theabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent article is asanitary napkin, pantiliner, or incontinence pad.
 5. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the first shade is positioned adjacent thesecond shade and/or the first shade is positioned substantiallycentrally with respect to the second shade.
 6. The absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the first shade and the second shade are positionedsubstantially centrally in relation to the periphery of the absorbentarticle.
 7. An absorbent article having an upper surface, a lowersurface and a periphery, the absorbent article comprising: a topsheethaving a bottom surface and a viewing surface positioned opposite to thebottom surface; a backsheet having a garment facing surface and a userfacing surface positioned oppositely to the garment facing surface, thebacksheet being joined to the topsheet; and an absorbent core having atop surface and a bottom surface positioned opposite to the top surface,the absorbent core being positioned between the topsheet and thebacksheet, the topsheet having a first layer, the first layer having acolored portion, the colored portion being viewable from the viewingsurface of the topsheet, the colored portion having a first shadecomprising a plurality of first printed marks, the colored portionhaving a second shade substantially surrounding the first shade, thesecond shade comprising a plurality of second printed marks, the secondshade being different from the first shade, the second shade beingsubstantially surrounded by a portion that is white and that extends tothe periphery, wherein the colored portion further includes a thirdshade different from the first shade and the second shade, the thirdshade operating as a boundary between the two shades, the boundarysubstantially separating the second shade from the first shade.
 8. Theabsorbent article of claim 7, wherein the first shade, second shade,and/or third shade are blue, green, violet, indigo, or white.
 9. Theabsorbent article of claim 7, wherein the absorbent article is asanitary napkin, pantiliner, or incontinence pad.
 10. The absorbentarticle of claim 7, wherein the colored portion is positionedsubstantially centrally in relation to the periphery of the absorbentarticle.
 11. The absorbent article of claim 7, wherein the coloredportion is a substantially elongated shape.
 12. The absorbent article ofclaim 7, wherein the first and second shades operate to create aperception of depth within the absorbent article by a user looking uponthe viewing surface of the topsheet.
 13. The absorbent article of claim7, wherein the first shade is positioned substantially centrally withrespect to the second shade.
 14. An absorbent article having an uppersurface, a lower surface, a length, a width, and a periphery, theabsorbent article comprising: a topsheet having a bottom surface and aviewing surface positioned opposite to the bottom surface; a backsheethaving a garment facing surface and a user facing surface positionedoppositely to the garment facing surface, the backsheet being joined tothe topsheet; and an absorbent core having a top surface and a bottomsurface positioned opposite to the top surface, the absorbent core beingpositioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the topsheet having afirst layer, the first layer having a colored portion, the coloredportion being viewable from the viewing surface of the topsheet, thecolored portion having a first shade, the first shade comprising aplurality of first printed marks to form the first shade, the coloredportion having a second shade substantially surrounding the first shade,the second shade comprising a plurality of second printed marks to formthe second shade, the first shade being different from the second shade,the second shade being substantially surrounded by a portion that iswhite and that extends to the periphery, the colored portion being asubstantially elongated shape having two ends, wherein at least one endof the shape is substantially curvilinear, the colored portion operatingto create a perception of depth within the absorbent article by a userlooking upon the viewing surface of the topsheet.
 15. The absorbentarticle of claim 14, wherein the first shade and/or second shade areblue, green, violet, or indigo.
 16. The absorbent article of claim 14,wherein the first printed marks form a first pattern, and the secondprinted marks form a second pattern.
 17. The absorbent article of claim14, wherein the at least one end is convex.
 18. The absorbent article ofclaim 14, wherein the absorbent article is a sanitary napkin,pantiliner, or incontinence pad.
 19. The absorbent article of claim 1,wherein the first shade and/or the second shade are substantially ovalin shape.
 20. The absorbent article of claim 7, wherein the first shade,the second shade, and/or the third shade are substantially oval inshape.
 21. The absorbent article of claim 14, wherein the first shadeand/or the second shade are substantially oval in shape.
 22. Theabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein the color of the first shade andthe second shade of the colored portion are measured by a HunterReflectance Meter test according to the colors' L*, a*, and b* values,the L*, a*, and b* values being measured from the viewing surface of thetopsheet inboard of the absorbent article's periphery.
 23. The absorbentarticle of claim 22, wherein the color differences between the firstshade and the second shade are measured at a first point and a secondpoint on the viewing surface of the topsheet inboard of the periphery ofthe absorbent article, the first point being measured within the firstshade and the second point being measured within the second shade, thecolor differences being calculated using the L*, a*, and b* values bythe formulaΔE*=[(L*_(x)−L*_(y))²+(a*_(x.)−a*_(y))²+(b*_(x)−b*_(y))²]^(½).
 24. Theabsorbent article of claim 23, wherein the difference in color betweenthe first shade and the second shade is at least 3.5.
 25. The absorbentarticle of claim 7, wherein the color of the first shade and the secondshade of the colored portion are measured by a Hunter Reflectance Metertest according to the colors' L*, a*, and b* values, the L*, a*, and b*values being measured from the viewing surface of the topsheet inboardof the absorbent article's periphery.
 26. The absorbent article of claim25, wherein the color differences between the first shade and the secondshade are measured at a first point and a second point on the viewingsurface of the topsheet inboard of the periphery of the absorbentarticle, the first point being measured within the first shade and thesecond point being measured within the second shade, the colordifferences being calculated using the L*, a*, and b* values by theformulaΔE*=[(L*_(x.)−L*_(y))²+(a*_(x.)−a*_(y))²+(b*_(x)−b*_(y))²]^(½).
 27. Theabsorbent article of claim 26, wherein difference in color between thefirst shade and the second shade is at least 3.5.
 28. The absorbentarticle of claim 14, wherein the color of the first shade and the secondshade of the colored portion are measured by a Hunter Reflectance Metertest according to the colors' L*, a*, and b* values, the L*, a*, and b*values being measured from the viewing surface of the topsheet inboardof the absorbent article's periphery.
 29. The absorbent article of claim28, wherein the color differences between the first shade and the secondshade are measured at a first point and a second point on the viewingsurface of the topsheet inboard of the periphery of the absorbentarticle, the first point being measured within the first shade and thesecond point being measured within the second shade, the colordifferences being calculated using the L*, a*, and b* values by theformulaΔE*=[(L*_(x.)−L*_(y))²+(a*_(x.)−a*_(y))²+(b*_(x)−b*_(y))²]^(½).
 30. Theabsorbent article of claim 29, wherein the difference in color betweenthe first shade and the second shade is at least 3.5.